Creamy Cheesecake
This Creamy Cheesecake recipe delivers a rich, smooth, and velvety dessert with a perfectly dense filling and a buttery crunchy crust. Using simple pantry ingredients and straightforward steps, it creates an elegant dessert ideal for both beginners and experienced bakers. Its adaptable flavor profile and foolproof techniques ensure a crack-free, luscious cheesecake every time.
- Author: Kathy
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free graham cracker crumbs)
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
Filling
- 24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Prepare the crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl, pressing the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan to form an even, compact base. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
- Beat the cream cheese: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat softened cream cheese on medium speed until completely smooth with no lumps, ensuring a creamy foundation.
- Add sugar and sour cream: Gradually add granulated sugar and sour cream to the cream cheese, mixing on low until fully combined for a moist and smooth consistency.
- Incorporate eggs and vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, blending gently after each addition to maintain air and avoid overmixing. Finally, stir in vanilla extract to elevate the flavor.
- Bake the cheesecake: Pour the filling over the chilled crust and place in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C). Bake using a water bath or with a pan of water nearby to create steam, preventing the cheesecake from drying out, for about 60 to 70 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool and chill: Let the cheesecake cool gradually at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to firm up the texture and blend the flavors perfectly.
Notes
- Bring cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream to room temperature before starting to avoid lumps.
- Mix just until combined to prevent air bubbles and cracks.
- Using a water bath helps maintain moisture and bake the cheesecake evenly.
- Use a springform pan for easy cheesecake removal and neat edges.
- Chilling overnight yields the best texture and flavor development.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cheesecake)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: creamy cheesecake, classic cheesecake, rich dessert, smooth cheesecake, easy cheesecake recipe, gluten-free cheesecake option